Our research addresses how neural circuits develop and operate to generate behaviours. Using C. elegans, an invertebrate model, we seek conserved mechanisms that govern the anatomic assembly of a nervous system, and extract fundamental principles that underlie circuit dynamics – the underpinning of the stereotype and plasticity of behaviors.

We combine cutting-edge technologies, including RNA sequencing, electron microscopy, optogenetics, whole-brain calcium imaging, and electrophysiology, to address three main questions.

1) How does the sensorimotor circuit develop? Neurons are wired through synapses. During development, these connections undergo changes. C. elegans has a small number of neurons, permitting visualization and mechanistic dissection of precise connectivity changes at single synapse level, in the context of an intact, developing nervous system. We apply a cutting edge electron microscopy platform to reconstruct circuit changes at different developmental stages.
​
2) How does the motor circuit generate movements? Through recording neuronal activity by calcium imaging, quantifying the behavioural changes induced by genetic and optogenetic manipulation of specific neurons, and defining the nature of neuronal communication by electrophysiology, we assign the function of specific neurons and its connectivity in the context of behaviors.
​
3) What is the underlying circuit deficit of neurological disorders? Through examining genetic mutants with specific sensorimotor behavioural deficit, we have identified neuronal signalling regulators that are causative for neurological disorders. We apply the developed tools for quantitative and functional assessment of neurons, synapses, circuits and behaviors to pinpoint the underlying cellular and circuit defects of these disease models.